Demand for iPhones Will Remain “Feeble” Until Early Next Year, Says Foxconn Chairman

Following up on earlier reports of falling demand for iPhones, Nikkei cites Foxconn chairman Terry Gou to underpin the whispers: Apple won’t be able to reach the 230 million mark this year. Actually, the latest forecasts put iPhone sales at between 210 million and 220 million units for this year, meaning that sales could drop as much as 8.6% compared to last year.

“Hon Hai Precision Industry Chairman Terry Gou has told his staff that the demand for iPhones will remain feeble until at least early next year,” a source said. Hon Hai, better known as Foxconn Technology Group, declined to comment.

Apple’s major assembly partner Foxconn makes about 70% of iPhones. The company did receive a “sudden rush of orders” in April and May, but since the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus “lacks innovation” – according to Nikkei – the demand for the latest handsets has remained flat.

The negative Nikkei report also describes the next-generation model as lacking innovation, although it does add that the 5.5-inch version will feature a dual lens. The sources seem to corroborate whispers about the Deep Blue coloured iPhone, saying that “Apple is resorting to colours instead of pursuing innovative features.” Adopting more colours, however, has led to inventory buildup for suppliers, the source adds. Apple currently sells iPhones in four colours: silver, gold, space grey, and rose gold.

Will apple finally reajust the price of iphone for the current exchange rate?

Ian

They say FEEBLE SALES… only 210 million iPhone sales predicted… poor Apple. Now they are going to resort to a “new color” to boost sales, WOW, the engineering & marketing team must be sleeping at Apple HQ’s.

Why don’t they just put a bigger battery and leave the headphone jack along side the lightning jack.

I’m glad to be NOT getting a new phone this year.

Widohmaker

I have an iPhone 6 Plus from 2 years ago. If this is yet another minor redesign this would be the first time in a long time I would go 3 years without upgrading. I’m very happy with my 6 Plus.

jmcd102

I feel the same.

CanucksGoals

I am with you on this one. Also, don’t try to give us some fancy words on old technology.